New era brings hope as St Mary’s goes Wilde

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MICHAEL WILDE, Southampton’s new chairman, received a standing ovation before kick-off last night, but it took time for a new-look team to justify the optimism among the supporters following the departure of Rupert Lowe this summer. Coventry City made Southampton work hard for victory in the 100th league game at St Mary’s, secured eventually by a 30-yard free kick from Gareth Bale — the 17-year-old defender’s second goal of the season — and a penalty from Grzegorz Rasiak.

Dele Adebola hit a post and caused problems early on as Southampton, with five players making their home debuts, struggled to get